Canine First Aid: Preparing for Emergencies
Having a well-stocked first aid kit and knowledge of basic procedures can help you respond quickly and effectively to common emergencies that may arise with your dog. Being prepared and keeping your cool in stressful situations could help save your dog's life. This guide outlines the supplies every dog owner should have on hand and steps you can take for common medical emergencies until you can get to a veterinarian.
Assembling a Canine First Aid Kit
A well-stocked canine first aid kit should be part of being a responsible pet owner. Store the kit in an easily accessible place in your home and check expiration dates on perishable items like medications at least twice a year. Replace expired items as needed. Here are some recommended supplies to include:
Medications and Ointments
- Sterile gauze pads and rolls - to control bleeding and dress wounds
- Adhesive tape - to secure gauze or bandages
- Antibiotic ointment - to prevent infection in wounds or scrapes
- Antiseptic solution - to clean dirt from wounds
- Hydrogen peroxide - to induce vomiting if instructed by poison control or vet
- Pepto-Bismol tablets - to treat nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Benadryl tablets - for mild allergic reactions
- Saline eye solution - to flush out eye irritants
- Styptic powder - to stop bleeding from nails if clipped too short
- Lubricating jelly - to lubricate rectal thermometer
Tools and Other Supplies
- Rectal thermometer - to monitor temperature in sick or injured dogs
- Non-latex gloves - to protect yourself from bodily fluids
- Blanket - to keep a dog warm or help transport
- Towel - to apply pressure to wounds or clean/dry dog
- Flashlight - to examine eyes and mouth
- Tongue depressors - to examine mouth and throat
- Nail clippers - in case overgrown nails need trimming
- Tweezers - for removing splinters, ticks, debris
- Scissors - to cut gauze, tape, or bandages to size
Emergency Numbers
The kit should also include contact information for your regular veterinarian, the nearest emergency vet clinic, and the ASPCA poison control hotline: (888) 426-4435.
Handling Common Emergencies
No one wants to think about their dog needing emergency care, but being prepared and responding correctly right away can greatly improve the outcome in many cases. Here are some common emergencies and steps you can take:
Choking
Dogs can choke on objects like bones, rawhide, balls or other toys. Signs include gagging, pawing at the mouth, wheezing, and blue gums or tongue.
- Open the mouth and try to remove the object with your fingers if possible. Be careful not to push object farther down the throat.
- If you can't reach it, lift hindquarters about waist high while dog is standing to perform the Heimlich maneuver. Place your fist just behind the ribs and perform 5-6 quick inward and upward thrusts.
- Check the mouth again and repeat as needed. The object should pop out.
- Take the dog to the vet even if you dislodge the object to check for damage.
Bleeding
Apply direct pressure on the wound with a clean towel or gauze for 5-10 minutes. If blood soaks through, add more on top, don't remove it. If bleeding doesn't stop:
- Apply a pressure bandage, wrapping firmly over gauze.
- Elevate the wound higher than the heart if possible
- Get to vet immediately as stitches or treatment may be needed.
Burns
For mild burns from brief contact with hot surfaces, immediately run cold water over the area for 5 minutes. Apply antibiotic ointment. See the vet if skin is blistered or charred.
For chemical burns, flush area with cool water for 10-15 minutes to remove caustic substance. Rinse eyes with saline solution if affected. Seek emergency vet care.
Seizures
Many things can cause seizures in dogs, including epilepsy, poisoning, low blood sugar, high fever, and head trauma. Stay calm and take these steps:
- Clear the area around the dog and remove any objects he could injure himself on.
- Time the seizure - they usually last 1-3 minutes.
- Do not put anything in the dog's mouth or restrain him - just let the seizure run its course.
- After the seizure, keep the dog warm and talk soothingly to him.
- See the vet to determine and treat the cause. Multiple seizures may indicate serious disease.
Heat Stroke
Dogs don't sweat like humans. Excessive panting, drooling, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, and collapse are signs of dangerous overheating.
- Get the dog into shade.
- Soak him with cool - not cold - water. Focus on the head, neck, armpits, and paws.
- Allow drinking small amounts of water if dog is alert.
- Cool the dog for 15 minutes, then take rectal temperature. Stop cooling if temp is 103°F or lower to avoid overcorrecting.
- Take the dog to the vet immediately for followup treatment and monitoring, as organ damage can occur.
Frostbite
Extreme cold can damage skin and tissue. Signs include shivering, stiffness, pale gray skin, blisters, and skin that is cold and hard to the touch.
- Bring the dog inside and wrap him in blankets once out of the cold.
- Warm the affected area with blankets or towels soaked in warm (not hot) water.
- Avoid direct heat like heating pads.
- Get to the vet so they can assess the severity and treat any damaged tissue.
Shock
Shock can result from trauma, severe infection, bleeding, vomiting, diarrhea, or extreme stress. Signs include weakness, trembling, glazed eyes, excessive panting, pale gums, and rapid pulse.
- Try to determine and address the underlying cause.
- Keep the dog warm and calm with blankets and soothing words.
- Do not give food or water, as it may cause vomiting or aspiration.
- Get the dog medical attention as soon as possible, as shock can worsen and lead to organ failure. Oxygen therapy may be needed.
Broken Bones
Support and immobilize the injured area. Place a temporary splint using a magazine, stick, or other firm object and loosely wrap an elastic bandage around it to limit movement. If a leg bone is broken, make a stretcher to move the dog as little as possible. Carry the dog gently to the car and get to a vet for proper medical care.
Bite Wounds
Wearing gloves, gently wash bite wounds with soap and water. Apply antibiotic ointment. Control any bleeding. Dogs' mouths harbor lots of bacteria, so bite wounds have high infection risk. Seek care promptly, as antibiotics and drainage may be required.
Poisoning
Contact the ASPCA poison control hotline immediately for advice based on the substance ingested. Have the product container on hand if possible. Depending on their guidance:
- Induce vomiting by giving hydrogen peroxide.
- Dilute the poison by having the dog drink milk or egg whites.
- Limit absorption by feeding activated charcoal.
- Seek treatment as recommended, which may include inducing vomiting, stomach pumping, or medication.
When to Take Your Dog to the Emergency Vet
In any emergency, assess the situation as best you can and get medical care if:
- There is heavy bleeding that you cannot control
- Breathing, pulse, or consciousness is impaired
- Symptoms are severe or escalating
- Your dog is in extreme distress or pain
- You are unsure of the proper care or cannot identify the cause
- Poisoning is suspected
Having first aid knowledge helps you respond correctly in the critical moments before you can get professional veterinary treatment. Stay calm, safely transport your dog, and notify your vet you're on the way if possible. With prompt care guided by your vet, even severely injured or ill dogs have a good chance of recovery. Your preparation and actions could save your beloved pet's life.